Page 6 of Forced Bratva Hostage

Boris doesn’t reply.

The line goes dead.

And I’m left alone in my room, crying.

I don’t know why I thought this time would be any different from the other times I’ve asked my brother to stop Van from being so physical with me.

A luxurious life?

Sure.

Locked in a gilded cage with a brother who has no heart, who treats me with nothing but coldness and hate. The only thing he cares about in this entire world is his business, and the power that comes with it.

I flop down onto my bed and bury my face in the pillow, screaming in frustration.

Fuck Van and fuck my asshole brother for always siding with that monster.

When I roll over and stare up at the ceiling, I’m not crying anymore, and I’m even more determined to sneak out tonight.

The number of times I’ve fantasized about sneaking out and never coming back—I’ve lost count.

It’s not like I have anywhere to go. And Boris makes sure I don’t have easy access to money, either. I can get a few things from the mall—well, apparently, I can’t even do that anymore—but that’s it. The type of money I would need to try and run away—it’s not within my reach.

I know because I’ve thought about it.

I live in this cage of restrictive, suffocating rules, but that doesn’t stop me fromtryingto have a full, exciting life.

I’ve read so many things about different places around the world. I’ve got a scrapbook filled with notes about the places I want to see.

I have big plans for my life.

And in the meantime, I have to settle for little adventures, like sneaking out and going clubbing with my best friend.

Reaching out, I pick up my phone and open the app to message Bella.

Me: I’m definitely coming. I hate this place, and I need a break. Pick me up at one, everyone should be asleep by then, and it will be easier to get out.

Bella: Yes, girl. I’ll be on that corner, same as last time. Don’t be late because I get freaked out.

Well, that will at least be something to look forward to. And I already know what I’m wearing. I scoot over to the edge of the bed and grab the bag that fell off onto the floor. Pulling it open, I lift out the dress I bought at the mall today. It’s iridescent black. When I move the fabric, it looks like a midnight rainbow, dark and colorful with glittering details. It’s freaking gorgeous.

Standing in front of the mirror, I hold it up to my body. It’s quite short and tight, but who cares. The long sleeves make it look elegant, and the low neckline will show off my cleavage nicely. I grin at my reflection in the mirror, but there is sadness in my eyes. Sadness and anger over what happened earlier. I don’t understand why Boris allows Van to be so dominant toward me. I should be respected, not bullied. My name alone should give me status that puts me above Van, especially in my brother’s eyes. I am his family.

Half-family.

I guess the half takes away more than I understand.

Whatever.

As soon as I get the chance and I can get a job to get away from this place, I’m going to do it. I won’t stay here forever. I’drather die a slow, painful death than live in this hellhole much longer.

***

At midnight, I crack my bedroom door open just a little and listen.

Tilting my head to the side, I hold my breath and wait. I can’t hear voices or movement and the main light at the bottom of the stairs is off. That usually means Boris has gone to bed.

Quietly and carefully, I close my door again and do a little wiggle, happy that I can start getting ready and escape this place.

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